Trick or treating just got a bit spookier. According to one West Virginia dentist, eating your Halloween candy in one go is better for your oral health than waiting days or even weeks to consume everything.
Dr. Olivia Mason at Almost Heaven Dentistry in Brooke County, West Virginia, said it’s all about exposure time to sweet treats and that consuming your Halloween candy a certain way might be better for you.
“It’s much better for your teeth if you sit down and eat your full bag of Halloween candy at one time,” Mason said. “I know it might upset your belly, but it’s much better for your teeth. Rather than we’re going to hang onto this for the next couple of months and every now and then we’re going to get in there and get some candy out.”
Mason said that sugar-free options are obviously better but there are also some candies you should try to avoid for better oral hygiene. “The worst kind of candy for your teeth is the sticky, tacky, chewy, gummy,” Mason said. “Something like chocolate is not great for your teeth, but it’s a lot easier to cleanse and remove from the teeth.”
Mason normally sees more patients coming in during the winter months due to this consistent exposure to candy. Children are by far the most affected and many medical professionals suggest brushing your teeth after consuming even one sweet treat to avoid potential cavities.